US Elections 2012

I have no idea if you're interested in politics at all, if you're thinking about voting, etc.The major consensus in Europe seems to be: why would anyone in their right mind vote for Mitt Romney, being a Mormon, anti abortion, etc.I admit I am a total n00b when it comes to American politics, so I'm sure I'll say dumbass things, but I just wanted to see if anyone can shed some light on this topic.Back in 2004, people outside the US (and probably inside as well) raised their eyebrows and just couldn't believe Bush was chosen for a second term. I believe this will probably happen again if Romney is elected... a big WTF from across the pond.

Being mormon absolutely shouldnt change if you would vote for them or not. Many genuinely kind and intellegent people ive known were mormon. My sister is radder than ever and she's mormon. Just ask anyone who knows her.

I wouldn't care about a candidate's religion, except for the fact that there is a distinct correlation between a politician's religion and their policy.

More bluntly, the more religious candidates tend to be anti-women, anti-LGBT, and anti-science. And they mask it under the veneer of being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religion. Basically, I'm not cool with that. Whenever there's a super-religious candidate who doesn't have those stances, I'll alter my opinion.

I wouldn't care about a candidate's religion, except for the fact that there is a distinct correlation between a politician's religion and their policy.

More bluntly, the more religious candidates tend to be anti-women, anti-LGBT, and anti-science. And they mask it under the veneer of being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religion. Basically, I'm not cool with that. Whenever there's a super-religious candidate who doesn't have those stances, I'll alter my opinion.

I consider myself super religous, but the GOP would probably consider me a heathen

I consider myself super religous, but the GOP would probably consider me a heathen

This is why I put the "candidates" bit in there. For some reason, it seems that politics brings out the worst of religion. As soon as a guy or gal gets up to that podium, it's like all that stuff about loving your neighbor and trying to live a good life gives way to new and creative ways of using religious texts to outcast more people.

And the worst thing is, is that normally fine, moderate religious people lap it up. They see pro-life or Catholic or pro-family on the voting ticket and blindly vote for whoever snapped up that stance without even considering the rest of the package.

I'd be happier if candidates were forbidden to reveal their religion in the election. Just to make things more about the issues.